Apparatus and methods for a hat with sun protection

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes a material that reflects radiant heat to offer sun protection to a wearer of the apparatus. In one embodiment the apparatus is comprised of a main body component having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In another embodiment, the main body component is comprised of three layers: an outer layer, a middle layer made of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. In embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a visor component also having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a brim component also having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/446,310; Filed: Jan. 13, 2017, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATING-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

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SEQUENCE LISTING

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of use for protective hats. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes material that reflects radiant heat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the disclosed apparatus, the background is described in connection with a novel apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes material that reflects radiant heat to offer sun protection to a wearer of the apparatus.

Currently, individuals will wear hats or some type of head covering to obtain relief from direct sun exposure.

To help alleviate these issues, several approaches in the prior art have been taken to make hats and head coverings more effective in protecting an individual from direct sun exposure as well as the effects from being exposed to the sun. These approaches involve various apparatus, which assist in various manners. The following examples are some of the common ones utilized today.

As a first example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,075 issued to David J. Weeks on Sep. 23, 1997 is for a hat providing ultraviolet radiation protection. While this hat does offer an individual some protection from the sun, the hat is not versatile and is not adjustable. The hat is only one configuration and does not have enhanced properties to reflect radiant heat.

As a second example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,077 issued to Steven C. Dondlinger on Apr. 13, 1993 is for a cap with detachable sun shield. While this hat offers an adjustable placement configuration for a shield, this hat also does not have enhanced properties to reflect radiant heat. In addition, the shield only allows length wise adjustments.

As a third example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,278 issued to Guillermo Lopez on Feb. 29, 2000 is for a sun protection device. The device id directed to fixed placement cover to protect a driver while operating a vehicle. The device does not have enhanced properties to reflect radiant heat and is not adjustable.

While all of the aforementioned devices may fulfill their unique purposes, none of them fulfill the need for a practical, effective, and efficient means for a versatile hat or head covering that reflects radiant heat to offer enhanced sun protection. It is an object of the present invention to overcome these shortcomings in the prior art.

Therefore, the present invention proposes a novel apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes material that reflects radiant heat to offer sun protection to a wearer of the apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, therefore, provides for an apparatus and method of use for a hat with sun protection. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes material that reflects radiant heat.

In one embodiment the apparatus is comprised of a main body component having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In another embodiment, the main body component is comprised of three layers: an outer layer, a middle layer made of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. In embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a visor component also having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a brim component also having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In embodiments, the claimed invention is comprised of a main body component only. In embodiments, the claimed invention is comprised of a main body component and a brim component.

In summary, the present invention discloses a novel apparatus and method of use for a hat or head covering, which utilizes a material that reflects radiant heat to offer sun protection to a wearer of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the hat with sun protection apparatus illustrating the protective brim in an extended position in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the hat with sun protection apparatus illustrating the protective brim in a retracted position in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a bottom side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a left side cross sectional view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of use directed to a hat with sun protection. The numerous innovative teachings of the present invention will be described with particular reference to several embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation).

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In one embodiment the apparatus is comprised of a main body component 20 having an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. That is the internal layer is covered by at least one layer of material on the outer and inner side of the internal material. The radiant heat reflective material for example and not a limitation may be Radiant Barrier™ or Temptrol™. In another embodiment, the main body component 20 is comprised of three layers: an outer layer, a middle layer made of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. In embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a visor component 10. In embodiments, the visor component 10 also has an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In another embodiment, the visor component 10 is comprised of three layers: an outer layer, a middle layer made of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus is further comprised of a brim component 30. In embodiments, the brim component 30 also has an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat. In another embodiment, the brim component 30 is comprised of three layers: an outer layer, a middle layer made of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. In embodiments, the claimed invention is comprised of a main body component only 20. In embodiments, the claimed invention is comprised of a main body component 20 and a brim component 30 only. In embodiments, the claimed invention is comprised of a main body component 20 and a visor component 10 only.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2, a front view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is the brim component's 30 securement feature. On the back side of the hat or head covering the brim component 30 allows the overlapping of the ends 40, 50 and in one embodiment the brim ends 40, 50 are secured by fasteners such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, a back view of the hat with sun protection apparatus illustrating the protective brim in an extended position in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In this illustration a more direct showing is made of the brim ends 40, 50 as well as the hat's or head covering's securement feature. On the back side of the hat or head covering is allowed the overlapping of the hat or head covering fastening straps 60, 70 and in one embodiment the hat or head covering fastening straps 60, 70 are secured by fasteners such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4, a back view of the hat with sun protection apparatus illustrating the protective brim in a retracted position in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is how the back side of the hat or head covering brim component 30 allows the overlapping of the brim component ends 40, 50 to configure the angle of protection allowed by the brim component 30. The more overlap of the brim component ends 40, 50 when secured, produces a larger angle. This is illustrated with the dotted line reflecting the configuration from FIG. 3 with a more overlapped configuration of the brim component ends 40, 50 producing a larger angle of the brim component 30 measured from the horizontal plane extending from the brim component 30 attachment point to the main body component 20.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, a right side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6, a left side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, a top side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are the brim component 30 attachment portions 80, 90 to the visor component 10.

Reference is next made to FIG. 8, a bottom side view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Also illustrated in this figure are the brim component 30 attachment portions 80, 90 to the visor component 10. In an embodiment the attachment means 80, 90 are for example and not a limitation, stitching or hook and loop fasteners.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, an environmental view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is how the hat or head covering would be positioned on an individual 200.

Reference is lastly made to FIG. 10, a right side cross sectional view of the hat with sun protection apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is an embodiment where each component (main body component 20, visor component 10, and brim component 30) is comprised of three layers. The visor component is comprised of an outside layer 110, a middle layer made of a radiant heat reflective material 120, and an inner layer 130. The main body component is comprised of an outside layer 140, a middle layer made of a radiant heat reflective material 150, and an inner layer 160. The brim component is comprised of an outside layer 180, 185, a middle layer made of a radiant heat reflective material 175, 190, and an inner layer 170, 195. In embodiments the inner and outer layers are made of materials that are continuous without any openings. That is the middle layer is completely covered by the outer and inner layers. This is to make the hat or head covering as aesthetically pleasing. The radiant heat reflective material can often be light reflective in nature and not appealing to individuals. From a functional standpoint, having the middle layer visible may make the individual more visible which is not desired in many applications. In embodiments the inner and outer layers are made of for example and not a limitation, fabric, cloth, felt, straw, paper, poplin, leather, cotton, or polymers.

In brief, the invention is directed to an apparatus and method of use for a hat with sun protection.

The disclosed apparatus and method of use is generally described, with examples incorporated as particular embodiments of the invention and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims in any manner.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms may be defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the disclosed apparatus or method of use, except as may be outlined in the claims.

Alternative applications for this invention include using this apparatus or method of use in any application where a head covering is desired for head protection from radiant heat. Consequently, any embodiments comprising a one piece or multi piece apparatus having the structures as herein disclosed with similar function shall fall into the coverage of claims of the present invention and shall lack the novelty and inventive step criteria.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and method of use described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications, references, patents, and patent applications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications, references, patents, and patent application are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, reference, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

In the claims, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

The apparatus and/or methods of use disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the apparatus and methods of use of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus and/or methods of use and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method of use described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention.

More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components, which are both shape and material related, may be substituted for the components described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hat with sun protection comprising: a main body component; wherein said main body component is comprised of an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat;
 2. The hat of claim 1, wherein said main body component is comprised of an outer layer, a middle layer made out of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer.
 3. The hat of claim 1, wherein said main body component is further comprised of fastening straps.
 4. The hat of claim 1, wherein said fastening straps are secured by fasteners.
 5. The hat of claim 4, wherein said fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
 6. The hat of claim 2, further comprised of a visor component.
 7. The hat of claim 6, wherein said visor component is comprised of an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat.
 8. The hat of claim 6, wherein said visor component is comprised of an outer layer, a middle layer made out of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer.
 9. The hat of claim 6, further comprising a brim component.
 10. The hat of claim 8, further comprising a brim component.
 11. The hat of claim 10, wherein said brim component is comprised of an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat.
 12. The hat of claim 11, wherein said brim component is comprised of an outer layer, a middle layer made out of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer.
 13. The hat of claim 11, further comprised of attachment portions.
 14. The hat of claim 12, further comprised of attachment portions.
 15. The hat of claim 12, wherein said brim component ends are secured by fasteners.
 16. The hat of claim 15, wherein said brim component ends securement configures the angle of protection.
 17. The hat of claim 15, wherein said brim component ends securement allows the overlapping of the brim component ends to configure the angle of protection.
 18. The hat of claim 2, further comprising a brim component.
 19. The hat of claim 10, wherein said brim component is comprised of an internal layer of material that reflects radiant heat.
 20. The hat of claim 11, wherein said brim component is comprised of an outer layer, a middle layer made out of a material that reflects radiant heat, and an inner layer. 